The spendy champagne. The foie gras atop another dish you can’t pronounce. The high-tech dry-ice seafood. Is it all necessary to get the girl?

Ryan Jaunzemis doesn’t think so.

“Guys always think they’re original with the fancy dinner,” says Jaunzemis, pick-up artist and dating coach from Meetup.com’s The Players Club. What’s really important on Valentine’s Day, or any other time a guy is trying to make an impression, he says, is appropriateness. While you might spend a few hundred to treat a long-time partner to a lavish meal, it’s not necessary to drop big bucks on a first date … because often it’s more awkward than it is impressive.

Instead, Jaunzemis offers these ideas:

• The La Contessa yacht cruise at Lake Las Vegas. Unique? Check. Romantic? Check.
• Ice skating. It’s good, clean fun and you’ll probably get to hold her hand. Check out these places.
• A quiet dinner at home. Cook together, and do the dishes for extra points. (Actually Jaunzemis said, “ask her to cook for you,” but we like our suggestion better.)
• A tour of Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden in Henderson. “They give you free chocolate!”

And remember, Jaunzemis says, “She’s going to eat dinner with someone. It might as well be you.” KRISTY TOTTEN

Post-script: CityLife does not typically print shout-outs, but this is a blog, and what the hell. Jaunzemis wants to add: “I’ll be spending V-day with a special someone and if she’s reading this article, I’d like to say I love you, Michelle.“